The future of Scottish rugby is the only issue that concerns interim national coach Scott Johnson, he has insisted.
The Australian has signed no contract with Scottish Rugby for the interim spell of six months after Andy Robinson’s departure, and will walk away himself if he and the SRU board deem it best for the Scottish game at the completion of his new tenure.
Similarly, his new lieutenant Dean Ryan, the former England international and Gloucester coach, will not seek a permanent post and will return to the Sky analysts’ booth at the completion of his 12-week spell as forwards coach.
Johnson believes that Scotland can “overachieve” and that there is the potential for the team to be as Wales were in the 2000s, but he is not actively seeking to make the role permanent.
“I’ve agreed to do this job for this interim period. I haven’t signed a contract,” he said. “At the end of that period, I’ll do what’s right and proper.
“I’ll sit down with the board and we’ll talk and make a decision on what we think is in the best interests of Scotland, not in the best interests of Scott Johnson.
“If they and I determine that it is to be me, then I’ll have a look at that. If it isn’t, it’ll be because it’s the right thing to do.”
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